Category Archives: Networking

Now in its tenth year, the BAMA Forum and Awards dinner took place last week at the stunning Oulton Hall Hotel in Leeds.

In a record year for aerosol manufacturers, BAMA chief executive Patrick Heskins had a lot to be positive about.

Addressing the forum, he said: “Last year the UK filled 1.56 billion aerosols. You continue to amaze me. The number of products that come out of UK factories is quite astonishing.”

Inevitably the thorny issue of Brexit was a talking point, of which Patrick said: “Nobody actually knows what’s going to go on so we have to look at the worst case – hard Brexit. But we will be upping the information that we get to you. We also need to look at what’s imported into the UK. It could have as much impact on people that are importing as well as exporting.”

Thankfully one of the speakers at the event was there to talk specifically about the ‘b’ word. Rina Sond, Commercial Partner at Longmores Solicitors provided attendees with an informative overview of the legal implications Brexit could have on UK businesses, plus tips on how to best prepare for it.

A range of other topical issues were also covered by speakers at the forum, amongst whom was David Harrison, Client Director at Franklands Insurance and Risk Management, who outlined what can be covered by cyber insurance for manufacturing companies.

One of the highlights of this year’s forum was a presentation by Mary Frash, Head of Marketing for Ball Aerosol Packaging. In late 2017 she was among an industry group tasked with improving consumer perception of aerosol products in America. The result was Mist: Understood, a campaign designed to shift people’s perceptions of aerosols particularly amongst millennials. Mary said: “In the USA we have adoption issues with aerosols. Many consumers prefer stick deodorants and there’s confusion over CFCs and recyclability. “If consumers don’t think aerosols are recyclable then we have a problem.”

The marketers undertook consumer-centric research which incorporated social media listening. It revealed that the campaign’s conscious connector was male whose interests included things like garage projects.

The campaign began in August and kicked off with a project which saw artist Mike Graves create a spray-painted community mural at a Denver restaurant alongside members of the public. The mural was designed to address consumers’ environmental concerns about aerosols.

Mary added: “The content of the mural resonates with our target audience and it was a hugely successful day. It raises up the entire industry if aerosols have a better perception from consumers.”

It was as always, an incredible two days. Thanks to all who attended, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

The British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) has announced the appointment of Tony Brealey, managing director and co-owner of Reabrook Ltd, as Chairman of the association.

Mr Brealey will take over from Sebastian Alvarez (Unilever), who has served as Chairman of BAMA for more than two years and will step down, this summer.

Previously Chair of the Commercial and Planning Committee, and Vice-Chairman of BAMA, Mr Brealey’s focus will remain on delivering BAMA’s 2020 strategy and working with members and partners of the association, as well as strengthening relationships with sister bodies overseas to create a sustainable aerosol industry.

With more than 14 years’ experience at Summit Packaging Systems and previously a director of the BAMA board, James Smith will assume the role of Vice-Chairman.

Patrick Heskins, BAMA chief executive, said: “I am pleased to welcome both Tony and James to their new roles.

“As the new Chairman, Tony brings four decades of experience in the aerosol sector to the position and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of BAMA and the aerosol industry during what is set to be a challenging period.

“I would like to thank Sebastian for his support during the last two years and his counsel as we have developed and implemented numerous initiatives to strengthen the future of the industry.”

Tony Brealey commented: “The aerosol sector has demonstrated sustained growth in the last six years, 2017 being another record year for the industry with more than 1.56 billion aerosol cans filled in the UK.

“But there remain many challenges ahead, particularly as Brexit approaches and we move into a more demanding and complex regulatory landscape.

“As Chairman, I look forward to working more closely with all of BAMA’s members and partners in the coming months as we seek to strengthen relationships in the UK and abroad and safeguard the future of what remains an extremely important sector within UK manufacturing.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Sebastian Alvarez, said: “It has been an immense pleasure and a privilege to lead the Board over this period.

“I want to thank the directors and the secretariat for all their support and for their help in making this an unforgettable experience. I will remain part of the aerosol community and I have every confidence BAMA will continue to lead the way for the aerosol industry into what promises to be an exciting future.”

Hosted by the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, more than 120 people attended the 2018 BAMA Innovation Day.

14 presentations across the day examined a diverse range of subjects from consumer responses to differing packaging formats, to improving aerosol leak detection, protecting against corrosion and smart labelling, the event also considered how the use of smart packaging will contribute to sustainable growth of the aerosol industry.

Patrick Heskins, BAMA CEO said: “It was a privilege to hear from so many experts in such a broad range of disciplines across the sector and a real opportunity to share ideas and best practice as well as making new connections in the drive for sustainable growth.”

The free-to-attend event followed the success of the first Innovation Day held in April 2017. Key note speaker Dr James Tunstall, Scientific and Medical Products Ltd. said: “The BAMA Innovation day is a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to gain insight that simply isn’t possible otherwise, learning about innovations which can help drive growth and future proof the sector, as well as being an excellent networking opportunity.”
Patrick added: “With a high degree of uncertainty currently facing businesses not just in the UK but across Europe and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape to navigate, the Innovation Day 2018 provided an excellent opportunity for members and stakeholders throughout the industry to meet, showcase their innovations and discuss the challenges that must be tackled collectively in the years ahead.”

Why should you attend this annual event?
As we move into August, with Autumn just around the corner, we are very pleased to be turning our attention to the upcoming BAMA Forum and Awards in October. Already, we’ve put together a packed agenda which includes expert speakers, networking opportunities and an exciting program of entertainment.

With so many reasons to attend this year, it’s difficult to consider why you wouldn’t want to come along. But in case you were in any doubt, we have put together three reasons why attending this year is a good decision:

1. Network with the experts.It’s not often that experts from so many different sectors are under one roof at the same time. Invited to our event this year are guests from a range of different aerosol businesses, as well as speakers from the fields of consumer behaviour, recycling systems, the circular economy, packaging and technology.
As an association, we recognise the importance for businesses to keep up to speed in a world driven by continual political, technological and environmental developments. As well as opportunities for members to network during the conference period of this event, our drinks reception and dinner platforms are also aimed to provide ALL guests with a relaxed and professional arena where ideas and views can be exchanged and connections made.

2.Wine tasting! If you’ve ever wondered about the art of wine tasting or would like to add to your existing knowledge of this famed fermented grape juice then who better to enlighten you than former BBC 2 Food and Drink series presenter and wine connoisseur, Jilly Goolden?
During the drinks reception, Jilly will be sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge on the crispness, body and aroma of selected wines from around the world. Following the wine tasting there will be a four course meal followed by some surprise entertainment!

3.Industry knowledge and recognition If you are a BAMA member, you are invited to listen to presentations from a range of different speakers who will be sharing their thoughts on the aerosol industry from their own unique viewpoints. The diverse speaker line-up will provide our audience with a wide and informed view of where the aerosol industry is right now and where it will be in the future.
With just a month left until the entry deadline, members are invited to submit their entries to be in the running to win. Winning entries will receive industry recognition, press coverage and vouchers worth up to £500 for winners and £250 for runners-up in each of four categories.

BAMA Forum and Awards Dinner details
The BAMA Forum and Awards Dinner will be held at Oulton Hall, Leeds on the 18th & 19th October with both members and non-members invited to the evening dinner on the 18th. Members can attend the conference and submit award entries also. For further information please contact Amy Falvey or visit the BAMA website to book your place.